Miniaturized electronic unit for integration in any sole

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a system of analyzing and quantifying a user&#39;s posture and gait, characterized in that it includes a pair  10  of soles  11, 12  each provided with an electronic box  100, 101, 102,  each box comprising: an inertial platform, a data processing module  120, 121, 122,  a data storage module  130, 131, 132,  a means of communication  140, 141, 142,  a power source  150.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/756,397 filed Apr. 15, 2020, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to the field of shoes or more generally to that offootwear. The invention relates more particularly to an electronic boxfor connected shoe soles.

More precisely, it is a biomechanical data measurement system consistingof two boxes, one arranged in each of the two shoe soles of a same pair,designed to collect and use information on the user's locomotion,walking pattern, posture or balance, or very generally on the user'sgait, running or activity.

PRIOR ART

Shoes can be for relaxation, formal, sports, medical, professional orsimply recreational use. A shoe consists mainly of, on the one hand, asole, the lower part which protects the sole of the feet, more or lessraised at the back by the heel, and, on the other hand, the upper, theupper part which envelops the foot. It can be limited to the ankle or itcan be a high shoe. The sole can be made in two parts. An upper solelayer in direct contact with the user's foot and a lower sole layer indirect contact with the ground or more generally the outsideenvironment. A shoe may also include a removable insole. In thisparticular case, this sole also consists of at least one upper solelayer and one lower sole layer.

The soles, whether they are insoles or outsoles or the whole shoe, haveessentially the original role of protecting the foot from the ground.Their shape varies according to fashion and its vagaries to make roomfor a multitude of by-products and functions. Nevertheless, for severalyears now, new information technologies have been accompanying new needsand the world of footwear has been part of this movement. Thedevelopment of electronics has led to the appearance of so-calledconnected soles and shoes, which have a wide range of functions.

Among the connected soles or shoes, different systems exist in order toperform a plurality of functions. Some systems are implemented using asingle connected shoe or sole. For example, document EP 1970671 anddocument WO 2011157870 each describe an intelligent shoe designed toallow its user to control different variables (distances traveled, timeused, calories consumed . . . ) in order to monitor and improve one'ssporting performance. This device, based on a single box, uses anaccelerometer only and no gyroscope, and does not detect the walkingpattern, nor posture. These systems do not allow to provide a fineanalysis of a user's gait, or to generate quality data.

Other systems have been made, implementing sensors positioned on twoconnected shoes or soles of a same pair. In these systems, the sensorsare often dispersed in the shoes or soles, which, on the one hand,impairs user comfort and, on the other hand, leads to significantadditional costs associated with the manufacture of the footwear. Forexample, document US 2017/0241797 describes an apparatus for the user tocount steps and distinguish between running and normal walking via apedometer and an accelerometer. However, this device does not provideinformation on parameters other than speed. In addition, the apparatuscontains only one pedometer and one accelerometer, which does not allowadvanced gait parameter values to be generated. In another example,document US 2017/0188950 proposes shoes equipped with pressure sensorsand an accelerometer, which can deliver to a smartphone connected viaBluetooth statistics on the wearer's physical activities, such as thenumber of steps taken or the way the foot is positioned during walking,etc. As for document US 2017/303827, it describes a connected soledevice with sensors for studying a person's gait. Equipped with anaccelerometer and a gyroscope, this device collects biomechanical data,which is exchanged between the two soles and transmitted to a terminal.However, the various components of this device are scattered throughoutthe sole, especially the pressure sensors that collect most of the data.

In addition, these devices based on the presence of numerous sensorsdistributed in the sole (for example pressure sensors) have a shorterservice life and often a relatively high thickness that can limit theuse of these soles. In addition, calculations are generally not carriedout in real time, which results in high data and energy storagerequirements.

There are soles using pressure sensors that are supposed to identifyposture, but these technical solutions have never so far resulted in amarketable and effective product.

Therefore, there is a need for a new system equipped with two connectedshoes or soles allowing to gather sensors sufficient to generate rawquality data in order to finely analyze the gait while being compact,autonomous and resistant.

Technical Problem

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Inparticular, the invention aims to allow the user to access, especiallythrough the electronic box installed in each of his/her connected soles,information on the exact posture of his/her feet and more generally onhis/her gait or activity.

In addition, the invention aims to offer a solution for quantifying thegait which is compact, resistant, highly autonomous and which ispreferably configured to carry out a data processing which consumes aminimum of energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the invention therefore relates to a system of analyzingand quantifying a user's posture and gait, characterized in that itincludes two electronic boxes adapted to be integrated into a pair ofsoles, a first box being adapted to be integrated into a first sole anda second box being adapted to be integrated into a second sole, each boxcomprising:

-   -   an inertial platform configured to generate a set of data on the        posture, activity or gait of a user of the pair of soles;    -   a data processing module configured to pre-process the collected        data set according to predefined algorithms and generate        information on the posture, activity or gait of a user of the        pair of soles;    -   a data storage module configured to store the information        generated by the processing module;    -   a means of communication configured so that an electronic box of        at least one of the soles is adapted to transmit the information        generated on the user to an external terminal and/or to the        other box of the other second sole; and    -   a power source.

Such a system allows to reliably track a user's gait. Indeed, thepresence of a pair of soles, each including a box protecting an inertialplatform, makes it possible to monitor the movement of each of the feetindependently. The inertial platform will analyze, in at least threedimensions, the user's posture, movements, locomotion, balance andenvironment, and more generally everything that is related to theactivity of his/her feet or that will be qualified as his/her gait. Theinertial platform will not only be able to note the different positions,but also to detect deficiencies or anomalies that appear the user'slocomotion, pattern, or more generally walking. In addition, since thepresent electronic box contains all the electronic components requiredfor autonomous operation, such as all the sensors, including calculationmodules and a power source, this allows to increase the robustness ofthe system. This box can advantageously be unique, compact andminiaturized.

Moreover, contrary to the systems proposed in the prior art, thecalculation is carried out here at the sole via a data processing modulewhich can correspond to the firmware (“firmware” in Anglo-Saxonterminology) of an electronic board. In this way, the data is processedalmost in real time at the electronic box, compared and can then betransferred for visualization on an external terminal. Such a systemallows to reduce the load on the memory of the storage module and cantherefore increase the autonomy of the system.

According to other optional features of the invention:

-   -   the boxes are configured such that raw data generated by the        inertial platform of a first box undergoes a first processing        step by the data processing module of the first box, and then        the processed data is transferred to the second box where it is        further processed by the data processing module of the second        box. Thus, in particular, the boxes are configured so that a        first box receives data from its sole and transmits it to a        second box, which processes the received data by comparing it        with its own data and generates information on the user's gait        or the posture of his/her feet, which information is then        transmitted by one of the boxes to the external terminal in real        time or in a delayed manner.    -   the boxes are configured so that the raw data generated by the        inertial platform of a first box is transferred to the second        box where it is processed by the data processing module of the        second box.    -   the data processing modules contained in the first and second        box are configured to compare raw data generated by the inertial        platform of the respective box with predetermined patterns and        to generate similarity values of the raw data with the        predetermined patterns, said predetermined patterns        corresponding to a predetermined movement category, one of the        processing modules being further configured to select a movement        category representative of the raw data generated over a period        of time, from the similarity values of the first box and those        of the second box. Thus, it is possible to identify a category        of movement with a minimum of energy and memory consumption.    -   each of the boxes contains an electronic board provided with an        inertial platform, consisting of at least one accelerometer and        at least one gyroscope, and to which can be added other sensors,        in particular a magnetometer, a barometer and an altimeter.    -   each of the boxes, in addition to the electronic board and a        power source, can also be connected to a GPS and/or to all types        of sensors, in particular physiological sensors, pressure        sensors, temperature sensors or any air-conditioning system        placed in the sole.    -   each of the boxes is designed so as to be able to communicate        with the second box and/or directly with the external terminal        for example through short wave or high frequency signals of the        Bluetooth or ANT+ type. This for example in order to exchange        its own information on the posture, movement and activity of its        foot, from which it received data via its inertial platform and        the sensors of its sole. In particular, the first electronic box        of the first sole is configured to transmit preliminary user        data to the second box of the other sole and said second box is        configured to transmit gait information to an external terminal        (20).    -   each electronic box includes at least one support pad,        preferably at least two support pads.    -   each electronic box weighs less than 20 grams.    -   each electronic box has a thickness less than or equal to 7 mm.    -   each electronic box has a surface area on its largest side less        than or equal to 10 cm².    -   each of the electronic boxes includes an outer casing, said        outer casing being essentially made of a thermoplastic material,        for example a thermoplastic composite material, allowing it to        withstand high mechanical stresses, (evaluated and tested under        conditions of use—box inserted into a sole or a shoe)        corresponding to at least 100,000 impacts of 1000 N at a        frequency of 1 Hz or 100,000 impacts of 3000 N at a frequency of        2.6 Hz, said boxes being, furthermore, resistant to dust and        humidity at a level of at least IP56.    -   the system according to the invention allows to associate one or        more Android, IOS or other applications with secure data sharing        with the user via the external terminal.    -   the power source of the electronic box can be a rechargeable        battery, which can be recharged using different technologies:        -   by a charger, with a connector flush with the sole;        -   with a mechanical recharging device integrated into the            sole, such as a piezoelectric device capable of supplying            electrical energy from walking;        -   with a non-contact device, for example by induction; or        -   with a photovoltaic device.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method ofquantifying a user's posture and gait, implementable within a systemaccording to the invention. For example implemented within a systemincluding two electronic boxes integrated into a pair of soles, a firstbox being integrated into a first sole and a second box being integratedinto a second sole of a same pair of soles, each box comprising: aninertial platform, a data processing module, a data storage moduleconfigured to store the information generated by the processing module,a means of communication and a power source, including a first boxintegrated into a first sole and a second box integrated into a secondsole of a same pair of soles, said method comprising:

-   -   A step of generating raw data, by inertial platforms contained        in the first and second box, said raw data being generated for a        period of time and being a function of a user's gait,    -   A step of pre-processing the raw data, by the data processing        modules contained in the first and second box, comprising        comparing the generated raw data with predetermined patterns and        generating similarity values of the raw data with the        predetermined patterns, said predetermined patterns        corresponding to a predetermined category of movement,    -   A step of communicating between the first and second box,        comprising transmitting, by a communication module, similarity        values from the second box to the first box, and    -   A step of selecting, by the first box, a movement category        representative of the raw data generated over the period of        time, from the similarity values of the first box and those of        the second box.

According to other optional features of the method:

-   -   it further comprises a step of incrementing a counter associated        with the selected movement category and storing the new value of        said counter,    -   the pre-processing step includes a sub-step of calculating        preliminary values of gait parameters by the first and second        box. In particular, the pre-processing step includes a sub-step        of calculating preliminary values of gait parameters by the        first and second box, said preliminary values of gait parameters        being transmitted, by the communication module, from the second        box to the first box and the method then includes a step of        comparing the preliminary values of gait parameters of the        second box with those of the first box so as to generate a        consolidated value of gait parameters. In addition, in this        case, the method may also include a step of modifying counters        associated with the gait parameters and storing the new value of        said counters.    -   it comprises a step of processing the preliminary values of gait        parameters of the second box and of the first box so as to        select preliminary values of gait parameters to be retained.    -   it comprises a prior learning step comprising defining a        plurality of predetermined gait patterns of a user. These        predetermined gait patterns are advantageously associated with        movement categories such as walking, climbing stairs, jumping .        . .

Other advantages and features of the invention will appear upon readingthe following description given by way of illustrative and non-limitingexample, with reference to the appended figures which represent:

FIG. 1, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the top of two soles,each containing a cavity which will give way to a box, each of theantennas of the boxes being located on the outer edge facing each foot,according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2, an open electronic box as seen from above comprising inparticular an electronic board, a rechargeable battery, a connector andan antenna.

FIG. 3, an electronic box, in exploded and cross-sectional profile view,comprising in particular a rechargeable battery, an electronic board, aswell as a two-part outer casing.

FIG. 4, a representative diagram of the method according to oneembodiment of the invention.

Aspects of the present invention shall be described with reference toflow diagrams and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) andcomputer program products according to embodiments of the invention.

In the figures, flow charts and block diagrams illustrate thearchitecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations ofsystems, processes and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this respect, each block in theflowcharts or block diagrams may represent a system, device, module orcode, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the one or more specified logical functions. In someimplementations, the functions associated with the blocks may appear ina different order than shown in the figures. For example, two blocksshown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallysimultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverseorder, depending on the functionality involved. Each block in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart, may be implemented by special hardwaresystems that perform the specified functions or acts or performcombinations of special hardware and computer instructions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By “sole” is meant an object for separating the user's foot from theground. A shoe may include an upper sole layer in direct contact withthe user's foot and a lower sole layer in direct contact with the groundor more generally the outside environment. A shoe may also include aremovable insole.

In the following description, “gait”, within the meaning of theinvention, corresponds to the user's posture, movements, locomotion, andbalance. The balance corresponds in particular to the postural balancelinked to the stability of the body and more particularly to thestability of the user's center of gravity. Nevertheless, it canintegrate static and dynamic balance as well.

The “gait quantification” corresponds, within the meaning of theinvention, to the assignment of one or more values, for example a score,a ranking or a mark to a trajectory or a movement of a user's foot. Thisgait quantification allows to obtain one or more biomechanical parametervalues representative of the gait and can be performed based on manydifferent linear or non-linear size scales (for example 1, 5, 10, 100).

By “biomechanical parameter” and more particularly by “parametercalculated from movement data” is meant, within the meaning of theinvention, the result of a transformation of the measured trajectory ofa user's foot into one or more values.

By “model” or “rule” or “algorithm” is to be understood, within themeaning of the invention, a finite sequence of operations orinstructions for calculating a value through a classification orpartitioning of the data within predefined groups Y and for assigning ascore or ranking one or more data within a classification. Theimplementation of this finite sequence of operations allows, forexample, to assign a label Y to an observation described by a set ofcharacteristics or parameters X, using for example the implementation ofa function f likely to reproduce Y, having observed X.

Y=f(X)+e

where e symbolizes noise or measurement error.

By “pattern” is meant the way in which the user unrolls his/her footwhen walking or running.

By “process”, “calculate”, “determine”, “display”, “transform”,“extract”, “compare” or more broadly “executable operation” is meant,within the meaning of the invention, an action performed by a device orprocessor unless the context indicates otherwise. In this respect,operations refer to actions and/or processes of a data processingsystem, for example a computer system or electronic computing device,which manipulates and transforms the data represented as physical(electronic) quantities in the memories of the computer system or otherdevices for storing, transmitting or displaying information. Theseoperations can be based on applications or software.

The terms “application”, “software”, “program code”, and “executablecode” mean any expression, code or notation in a set of instructionsdesigned to cause data processing in order to perform a particularfunction directly or indirectly (for example after an operation ofconverting into another code). Examples of program code may include, butare not limited to, a subprogram, function, executable application,source code, object code, library and/or any other sequence ofinstructions designed for execution on a computer system.

By “plastic composite” is meant, within the meaning of the invention, amulti-component material comprising at least two immiscible componentsin which at least one component is a polymer (thermoplastic orthermosetting) and the other component may be a reinforcement such as afibrous reinforcement.

By “fibrous reinforcement” or “fibrous substrate” is meant, within themeaning of the invention, several unidirectional rovings or a continuousfilament mat, fabrics, felts or non wovens, which may be in the form ofstrips, webs, braids, wicks or pieces.

By “polymer” is meant either a copolymer or a homopolymer. By“copolymer” is meant a polymer involving several different monomer unitsand by “homopolymer” is meant a polymer involving identical monomerunits.

By “thermoplastic polymer” is meant, within the meaning of theinvention, a polymer which is generally solid at room temperature, maybe crystalline, semi-crystalline or amorphous, and which softens duringa temperature increase, in particular after passing through its glasstransition temperature (Tg), and flows at higher temperatures. Examplesof thermoplastics are, for example: low-density polyethylene (HDPE),polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

By “thermosetting polymer” is meant a plastic material that isirreversibly transformed by polymerization into an insoluble polymernetwork.

By “removable” is meant the ability to be detached, removed ordisassembled easily without having to destroy the means of attachment,either because there is no means of attachment, or because the means ofattachment can be easily and quickly disassembled (for example notch,screw, tongue, lug, clips). For example, by removable is to beunderstood that the object is not fixed by welding or other means notintended to allow the object to be detached.

In this description and even before, the same references are used torefer to the same elements.

Existing devices or systems usually have a plurality of sensors (forexample pressure sensors) distributed throughout the shoe and/or sole.Such a distribution of sensors leads to a reduction in the robustness ofthe system. In addition, these devices or systems are usually intendedto produce raw data that is then analyzed at an external terminal. Facedwith these shortcomings, the inventor developed a system 1 forquantifying a user's gait as schematized in FIG. 1.

As a reminder, both feet contain a quarter of all the bones in the humanbody. In each foot, 26 bones, 33 muscles, 16 joints and 107 ligamentscan be identified. The feet bear the weight of the body in the standingposition and allow locomotion, playing a key role in balance, dampingand propulsion. Feet also perform several types of movements. Inaddition, the feet have almost 7200 nerve endings, so that all diseasesand other disorders, especially neurological ones, can be detecteddirectly or indirectly in our feet and, on the other hand, can bedetected from the way we walk or move.

In order to pursue this objective, the invention consists of anautonomous technology inserted in a compact and miniaturized box of afew grams, which is inserted in each of the two insoles and/or outsolesof shoes of a same pair.

The choices described hereafter allowed the inventors to obtain acompact and miniaturized box of a few grams that is nevertheless able towithstand repeated pressures and forces when walking, running, jumpingor during other sports activities.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a deviceintegrated into an electronic box inserted in each of the two insolesand/or outsoles of shoes of a same pair and collecting in particulardata on the user's locomotion, pattern or balance, or very generally theuser's walking or activity, which it communicates to the box of theother sole and to an external terminal, in particular through short waveor high frequency signals of the Bluetooth type, for the purpose ofanalyzing and determining the posture/movement/activity of each of thefeet, said box comprising in particular an electronic board of the PCBAtype and a power source, characterized in that this box, which has aninternal data storage memory, processes and exchanges its data accordingto predefined algorithms, before transmitting it to the externalterminal for processing by a dedicated application.

The invention also relates to a system for collecting and usinginformation on the user's locomotion, pattern or balance, or verygenerally the user's walking or activity, characterized in that itcomprises an electronic box inserted in each of the two insoles and/oroutsoles of shoes of a same pair and collecting data which itcommunicates to the box of the other sole and to an external terminal,in particular through short wave or high frequency signals of theBluetooth type, for the purpose of analyzing and determining theposture/movement/activity of each of the feet, said box comprising inparticular an electronic board of the PCBA type and a power source,characterized in that this box, which has an internal data storagememory, processes and exchanges its data according to predefinedalgorithms, before transmitting it to the external terminal forprocessing by a dedicated application.

In particular, the invention relates to a system including two boxes asdescribed below. In particular, it relates to a system including twoelectronic boxes 100, 101, 102 which can be integrated into a pair 10 ofsoles, a first box being adapted to be integrated into a first sole anda second box being adapted to be integrated into a second sole.

In particular, the system 1 according to the invention may include apair 10 of soles including the electronic boxes 100, 101, 102 accordingto the invention and possibly an external terminal 20.

The soles 11, 12 usable within the context of the system 1 according tothe invention may, for example, correspond to outsoles or insoles ofshoes. These soles can be removable or permanently integrated into thebottom assembly of the shoes.

Classically, the soles 11, 12 composing said pair 10 of soles, eachinclude an electronic box 100, 101, 102. As shown in FIG. 1, theelectronic box 101, 102 is preferably positioned at a midsole portion.

An electronic box 100 according to the invention is detailed in FIG. 2.Weighing only a few grams and being small in size, this electronic box100 fits into any insole and/or outsole in a space-saving manner. Thislow volume limits the impact on user comfort and has the advantage ofoptimizing production costs by making it cheaper and simpler tointegrate this technology into the sole during the industrial process.

The choice of the material of this electronic box is made in order toensure its solidity as well as the possibility of inserting it in asole. Indeed, it should be possible to manufacture a product that can,on the one hand, withstand the weight of a person and, on the otherhand, be easily inserted into a sole or shoe. Combining miniaturizationand resistance of the box is a real challenge: many prototypes had to bemade before determining the material that would allow such a box to beinserted into a sole without altering the comfort thereof.

Advantageously, each electronic box 100 includes an outer casing 103,said outer casing consisting essentially of a material of the plasticcomposite type selected from: a thermoplastic composite material or athermosetting composite material. Preferably, the material used is basedon a thermoplastic such as polycarbonate and may include nylon orfiberglass. Indeed, polycarbonate has the advantage of beingthermoformable, mechanically resistant and flame retardant, which isadvantageous during the ultrasonic welding process detailed below.

The choice of a polymer material, for example a plastic compositepolymer material, allows to combine lightness, efficient signaltransmission and above all strength. Advantageously, the casing isrounded, namely it does not have an angle of less than 95°. This casingshape allows to improve user comfort.

Thus, each electronic box is preferably light and weighs for exampleless than 20 grams, less than 10 grams, preferably less than 8 grams andmore preferably less than 6 grams. In addition, it may have a thicknessof less than 7 mm, or less than 5 mm, preferably less than 4 mm and morepreferably less than 3 mm. This allows it to be easily integrated into ashoe/sole without altering user comfort in the shoe. Finally, eachelectronic box has, for example, less than 10 cm² of surface area on itslargest side, preferably less than 5 cm² of surface area on its largestside, more preferably less than 4 cm² and even more preferably less than3 cm².

Preferably, the outer casing 103 of the electronic box 100 has an upperpart 103 a and a lower part 103 b which are welded. Such a weld, forexample an ultrasonic weld, increases the water resistance of theelectronic box. Alternatively, the upper part 103 a and the lower part103 b can be separated by a polymer seal and held together by removablefastening means. Thus, each electronic box can include an outer casingformed in two parts and a seal positioned between two parts of the outercasing.

Preferably with a rounded shape to increase its mechanical resistance,it must be assembled in such a way as to maintain a perfect seal andmake the interior containing the electronic board and the power sourceprotected from humidity and dust.

Each electronic box advantageously integrates support pillars or pads104 in order to reinforce its solidity, preferably one pad/cm² towithstand the pressures and impact forces of the movements of the foot.Inserting such pads allows the box to better withstand the weight of aperson. Advantageously, these pads or this low wall, also allow to fixan electronic board in order to fix the center of inertia so as not todistort the measurements. Thus, preferably, the electronic box 100according to the invention includes at least two support pads 104, morepreferably at least three support pads 104 and even more preferably atleast four support pads 104.

In addition, the electronic box 100 according to the invention mayinclude a polymer low wall positioned between the power source and theelectronic board so as to increase its robustness. Such a low wall has,for example, a height corresponding to the height of the box, athickness between 0.5 and 3 mm and a length between ⅗ and 5/5 of thewidth of the power source.

Advantageously, the electronic box 100 includes an electronic board withat least one opening 105 allowing the passage of at least one supportpad 104, preferably at least two openings 105.

In addition, in order to further increase the robustness of the system,each electronic box includes a shock-absorbing material such as polymerfoam (for example polyurethane, polyether). According to one embodiment,the shock-absorbing material has a density between 20 kg/m³ and 50kg/m³. Such a protective foam layer also allows to insulate the boardfrom vibrations and humidity.

Preferably, each of the boxes (for example right and left) has a shapedifferent from the other box. For example, it has a protrusion that isnot present in the same shape on the other box. Such a physicalcharacteristic allows to differentiate the two boxes, right or left,when they are integrated into a shoe or sole without inverting thecenter of inertia.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the electronic board isinserted in a compartment of the box specially designed to receive it.

According to another embodiment, the electronic box 100 is formed by theencapsulation of its components. For example, the encapsulation can takethe form of an encapsulating coating or a resin (for example silicone,epoxy, polyurethane). The encapsulation of all components (for exampleinertial platform, processing module . . . ) offers good insulation andthus combines good electrical properties with excellent mechanicalprotection.

In addition, the electronic box according to the invention includes aninertial platform 110, 111, 112 configured to generate a set of data onthe gait of a user of the pair 10 of soles.

During a user's walk, the inertial platform 110 acquires signalsrepresentative of a movement parameter (acceleration and/or speed, forexample angular velocity) of the foot along the X, Y, Z axes. Inaddition, this data can then be processed to generate at least oneacceleration signal. The inertial platform consists for example of atleast one accelerometer 113 and one gyroscope 114. Preferably, itincludes several accelerometers and gyroscopes.

The electronic box may also include one or more magnetometers 115 inorder to acquire three additional raw signals corresponding to thevalues of magnetic fields in three dimensions.

In addition, each electronic box can include an inclinometer, abarometer 116, a temperature sensor 126 and an altimeter 117 forincreased accuracy. An electronic box can also be connected to anair-conditioning system 127 and/or other sensors, including a GPS 123, aphysiological sensor 124, and a pressure sensor 125.

In addition, the electronic box according to the invention includes adata processing module 120, 121, 122 configured to transform the dataset generated using predefined algorithms. Indeed, the device or systemaccording to the invention allows the data received via the sensorslocated in the insoles and/or outsoles to be processed according to oneor more algorithms in each of the boxes, said boxes being configured asa Slave box, which receives the data from its sole/shoe and transmits itto the Master box, said Master box (main box) which receives data fromthe Slave box, processes it by comparing it with its own data andgenerates information on the user's posture in general and his/her feetin particular, information which the box transmits to the terminal inreal time or in a delayed manner.

The processing module 120, 121, 122 allows 3D analysis of the user'sposture, movements, locomotion, balance and environment, and moregenerally everything that will be qualified as his/her walking, based onthe data collected by the inertial platform and any additional sensorsplaced in the sole.

This processing module can be used to generate biomechanical gaitparameters. Advantageously, the data processing module 120 is capable oftransforming the data set into at least one biomechanical gaitparameter, said biomechanical gait parameter preferably being selectedfrom: posture, pronation, supination, impact force, impact zone, steplength, contact time, flight time, limping, propulsion force, balanceand several other parameters relating to the user and describing his/hergait, postures and movements.

In addition, processing by the data processing module may advantageouslycomprise segmenting the data into a plurality of phases. Preferably, thedata processing module is capable of segmenting a step into at leastfour phases such as: the impact phase (corresponds to the precise momentthe foot contacts the ground), the support phase (takes place from theimpact phase until the heel is detached from the ground), the propulsionphase (begins when the heel has left the ground and ends when the firsttoe has left the ground) and the flight phase (begins when the first toehas left the ground and ends when the heel touches the ground).

More particularly, the cutting or segmentation of the step can helpidentify the main support areas of the user Thus, the system can be usedto measure the shape of the step during walking or any other activity ofthe user in order to determine possible malformations of the user's feetand postures.

The information generated will then be transmitted to the second box bya transmission of signals which can be of the Bluetooth type.

When an electronic box is not able to communicate in real time with theother box and/or with the terminal, it stores the collected informationand will transmit it in delayed mode when the exchange is possibleagain. This delayed transmission of the collected data is made possibleusing the storage capacity each of the electronic boxes is providedwith.

Thus, the electronic box according to the invention includes a datastorage module 130, 131, 132, configured to store at least part of thetransformed data and/or data generated by the processing module. Asalready discussed, the device or system according to the invention issuch that it allows operation with a low-capacity data storage module.For example, the data storage module 130, 131, 132 may advantageouslyhave a memory capacity of less than 512 KB, preferably less than 128 KB,more preferably less than 32 KB and even more preferably less than 16KB. In particular, the storage module can correspond to available memoryon a CPU.

In addition, the electronic box according to the invention includesmeans of communication. Thus, in particular, each of the boxes, whetherSlave or Master, is designed to be able to communicate independentlywith the other one and/or directly with the terminal in order to be ableto exchange its own information on the posture/movement/activity of itsfoot, the data of which it has received via the various sensors of itsinsole and/or outsole of the shoe.

Preferably, the electronic box according to the invention includes afirst means of communication 140, 141, 142 configured so that theelectronic box 100 of at least one of the soles is capable oftransmitting at least part of the transformed data to an externalterminal 20. This data can be transmitted in real time or in delayedmode to an external terminal 20. The external terminal 20 can forexample be a remote system such as a tablet, a mobile phone(“smartphone” in Anglo-Saxon terminology), a computer or a server.

Advantageously, each electronic box further includes a second means ofcommunication configured so that the electronic box 101 of a first soleis able to communicate with the electronic box 102 of a second sole, andin that at least one data processing module 121, 122 is configured tocalculate, preferably jointly, sets of data generated from the two soles11,12, and more particularly from the inertial platform, composing thepair 10 of soles. Indeed, the calculation of certain biomechanicalparameters of interest requires the data from both soles.

The first and second means of communication may consist of one and thesame means.

The first and second means of communication are capable of receiving andtransmitting the data over at least one communication network.Preferably the communication is operated via a wireless protocol such aswifi, 3G, 4G, and/or Bluetooth. Preferably, the communication protocolis a BLE or ANT+ protocol. These communication protocols allow for lowpower consumption.

Advantageously, because of its confinement inside a box placed under thebody of a person, the antenna 150, 151, 152 should preferably be placedinside the box on the side facing the outside of the sole. Thispositioning of the antenna is preferable since laboratory tests haveshown that 70% of the signal emitted from a sole or shoe is absorbed bythe human body. This antenna must therefore be positioned on theperiphery of the foot and oriented in such a way that the signal canalways be transmitted to the external terminal and/or the box of thesecond sole. Preferably, the antenna can be an antenna printed on anelectronic board. Alternatively, the antenna can be printed on an innerside of the box and connected to the electronic board by wiring. Theantenna 150, 151, 152 can preferably be positioned on a lower part inrelation to the electronic board. Thus, the electronic board makescontact with the antenna.

In addition, the electronic box according to the invention includes apower source 160, 161, 162. The power source is preferably a battery,rechargeable or not. Preferably the power source is a rechargeablebattery. In addition, it can be combined with a system for recharging bymovement or with external energy. In particular, the system forrecharging with external energy can be a wired recharging system, aninduction recharging system or a photovoltaic system.

In addition, the electronic box according to the invention may include awired connection means, preferably protected by a removable tab. Thiswired connection can be for example a USB or FireWire port 180.Advantageously, the USB port 180 is also resistant to water or humidity.In addition, the USB port 180 is advantageously surmounted by a polymerbeam to give it greater strength in use. This wired connection means canbe used as mentioned above to recharge the battery but also to exchangedata and for example to update the firmware of the electronic boardcarrying the various components of the electronic box.

Preferably, the removable tab or USB cover allows to protect the USBport from foreign objects. For example, the removable tab can be used toprotect the USB port from water or dust. Such a tab can preferably bemade of an elastomer or polyurethane type polymer.

These various components of the electronic box are preferably arrangedon an electronic board 170 (or printed circuit). In addition, thevarious means and modules of the electronic box 100 are representedseparately in FIGS. 1 and 2, but the invention may provide for varioustypes of arrangement such as, for example, a single module combining allthe functions described here. Similarly, these means can be divided intoseveral electronic boards or gathered on a single electronic board.

In addition, the system 1 has an external terminal 20 capable ofreceiving data. The external terminal 20 is usually a tablet, a mobilephone (“smartphone” in Anglo-Saxon terminology), a gateway, a router, acomputer or a server. It may be able to transfer this data to a remoteserver 30. It is then possible, for example, to access this remoteserver via a web interface.

Advantageously, a dedicated application is installed on this externalterminal in order to process the information transmitted by the boxesand allow the user to interact with the invention.

Advantageously, according to one embodiment of the invention, the twoboxes will preferably be set up as a Main box and a Secondary box. TheMain box will receive data on the position and/or activity in which theSecondary sole is; the Main box will process this data and extractinformation from it in all circumstances (for example, when the user isin a kneeling position, soles raised in a more or less vertical manner,each of the boxes will note that its sole is in a raised position moreor less perpendicular to the ground; the Main box noting that it is inthe same position as the Secondary box, it will be able to deduce thatthe user is in a kneeling position).

Therefore, even if the two soles are in different positions, the twoboxes continue to detect the positions of each sole in order to recordchanges in the user's posture. This continuous detection of the user'spostures allows, by comparing over time, to accurately record changes inthe user's walking, posture or physical, sporting or professionalactivity, so that the device can also detect any possible anomalies,such as a possible limp.

The box will not only be able to note the different positions, but alsoto detect deficiencies or anomalies that appear in the locomotion,balance, or more generally in the user's walking.

The Main Box will analyze and store the collected data and then transmitthe information in real time or in a delayed manner to the terminal.Using the storage module of each of the boxes, most of the datacollected can be stored as long as the boxes are not connected to anexternal terminal, so that there is no loss of data or information aboutthe user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the Secondary box can alsotransmit the collected data to an external terminal.

In addition to analyzing the gait and activity of its user, thisinvention aims to identify deficiencies or problems related to theposture of the feet. This posture is indicative of the user'smechanical, physical or physiological problems, especially when walking.

From the posture of the foot and its movement, all kinds of informationare measured by the electronic board located in the box. The user mayhave an improper gait, irregular steps, inadequate walking pattern,undetected pronation or supination . . .

This box will be able to analyze the data relative to the postures ofeach of the two feet, detecting several anomalies, perceptible by thesimple analysis of the user's locomotion, pattern or balance, or verygenerally the user's walking or activity.

According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method 200 ofquantifying a user's gait, preferably implemented within a systemaccording to the invention.

The inventors have tested several methods in order to quantify a user'sposture and gait without altering his/her comfort and while minimizingthe energy consumption of the method. Most of the methods tested have atoo high energy consumption, which results in a high energy requirementand therefore larger components, which affects user comfort. Indeed, theinventors have, during tests of the usual inertial platform dataprocessing methods, highlighted an excessive consumption of the energystored in the box as well as of the memory. Indeed, with conventionalprocessing methods, such as those using sliding window pattern analysisfrom raw data from both feet, power and memory consumption reduced thedevice's autonomy to a few tens of minutes. This was the case even whenthe calculations were carried out on telephones, connected watches orremote servers.

The inventors have therefore developed a new method of quantifying auser's posture and gait that can be implemented at the boxes integratedinto soles. In particular, this method can give relevant results on thegait despite a reduced memory size (for example between 128 KB and 512KB) whereas previous methods would have required much more memory ormuch larger power sources.

To this end, the inventors have developed a method 200 of quantifying auser's gait (namely posture and gait) which can be implemented by one ofthe systems of the invention and is particularly suitable forimplementation within a system of quantifying a user's posture and gaitincluding a first box 101 integrated into a first sole and a second box102 integrated into a second sole of a same pair of soles, the methodcomprising:

-   -   A step of generating 230 raw data, by inertial platforms        contained in the first and second box, said raw data being        generated for a period of time and being a function of a user's        gait,    -   A step of pre-processing 240 the raw data, by the data        processing modules contained in the first and second box,        comprising comparing the raw data with predetermined patterns        and generating similarity values of the raw data with the        predetermined patterns,    -   A step of communicating 250 between the first and second box,        comprising transmitting, by a communication module, similarity        values (raw data with the predetermined patterns) from the        second box to the first box,    -   A step of selecting 260, by the first box, a predetermined        pattern representative of the raw data from the similarity        values (raw data with predetermined patterns) of the first box        and those of the second box,    -   A step of storing 300 the new advanced gait parameter value by        the first box,

The method according to the invention comprises a prior learning step210, comprising defining a plurality of predetermined gait patterns of auser. Thus, the repetition of a user's movements, postures and gait overa given period of time is recorded and classified according to aplurality of patterns, for example of the static or dynamic type. Thus acertain dynamic pattern represents a user's movement such as a “step”and a static pattern represents a user's “kneeling” type posture. Inparticular, the predetermined patterns may have been normalized to atime period corresponding to an event, for example, the event may be astep. In this case, the step can be identified by classical methods ofstudying the movement of the step such as the Pan-Tompkins method or thedetection of maxima. This in order to obtain patterns that arerepresentative of a user and may vary according to the user or the fieldof application.

The method according to the invention also comprises a prior step ofcalibrating 220 by a calibration module, between a first and second boxcomprising the emission of a signal by the first box and the receptionof the emitted signal by the second box in order to calibrate a timemeasuring means, preferably a clock. Such a calibration allows the firstand second box to detect and collect a user's posture or gait data on asame time window. Indeed, the data collected by the first and second boxis analyzed two by two. Thus, the collected data will be analyzed inparallel, which avoids any discrepancy between the data and any analysiserrors. Preferably, calibration between the two boxes is performedinstantly and in real time.

Advantageously, if one of the boxes were to disconnect or lose timesynchronization with respect to the other box, the method comprises astep of synchronizing 280 the boxes. Thus, a search signal is sent bythe connected box, the disconnected box receives the search signal andsynchronizes to the connected box. In addition, followingsynchronization, the data collected by the disconnected box isrecovered.

The method according to the invention has a step of generating 230 rawdata, by inertial platforms contained in the first and second box, saidraw data being generated for a period of time and being a function of auser's gait. The raw data is related to a user's posture, activity orgait. The inertial platform of the first and second box generate the rawdata via different sensors contained in the boxes. The raw data can thusbe taken from the gyroscope or the accelerometer contained in each box.In addition, according to an advantageous embodiment, the raw data iscollected by the two boxes over a predetermined period of time that canrange from milliseconds to seconds. Preferably, the generated raw dataoverwrites previously generated raw data. Thus, the raw data is notsaved in the long term, that is to say for a period of time of more than30 seconds, preferably more than 15 seconds, more preferably 5 seconds.This allows both a reduction in energy consumption and the use ofcompact components, resulting in greater user comfort.

The method according to the invention comprises a step of pre-processing240 the raw data, by the data processing modules contained in the firstand second box, comprising comparing the raw data with predeterminedpatterns and generating 241 similarity values of the raw data with thepredetermined patterns. Advantageously, the pre-processing stepcomprises comparing by the first and second box the generated raw datawith respect to the plurality of predetermined patterns and generatingsimilarity values of the raw data with the predetermined patterns. Thepre-processing comprises testing the whole plurality of patterns on eachset of raw data generated on both the first box and the second box.Thus, using this pre-processing it is possible to categorize the rawdata according to predetermined categories. There are different types ofcategories such as stepping, walking up a step, walking down a step,striding, jumping, flight time, walking on flat, being static,trampling, kneeling . . . The number of categories and the type ofcategory depend on the application or destination of use. The raw datagenerated is then compared to the predetermined patterns. Thus, it ispossible to modify, add, delete the different types of categories. Thewhole plurality of patterns are tested at the same time on the raw data.In particular, over a given period of time, the raw data ispre-processed in order to determine a plurality of dots which iscompared to each pattern of the plurality of patterns, which allows togenerate a similarity value for each of the patterns. This allows toreduce the memory space used, the time for pre-processing the raw dataand thus to minimize power consumption. In fact, the absence ofrepetitive pre-processing, loading at different times on each piece ofdata of the different patterns allows to reduce the consumption ofmemory space, energy and machine time. This also allows the use ofcompact components offering greater comfort.

Once the raw data is pre-processed and compared to the predeterminedpatterns, similarity values are generated. A similarity value isgenerated for the association of each piece of raw data to each type ofpredetermined patterns. The similarity value is calculated by theinertial platform of the first and second box. Advantageously, since thedata is synchronized, a similarity value is calculated for a same periodof time and for each of the patterns twice, once by the first box and asecond time by the second box. It is thus possible to quantify a user'sposture or gait more reliably and with improved accuracy.

Preferably, the pre-processing step can include a sub-step ofcalculating 242 preliminary values of gait parameters by the first andsecond box. With this calculation step comprising in particular theimplementation of a plurality of calculation functions, or calculationrules, so as to generate a plurality of preliminary values from the rawdata collected, by the first or second box. These gait parameters may,for example, be related to stride length, flight time, impact force,foot position during the ascending or descending phase, or any otherparameter related to a user's gait, activity or posture, such aspronation or supination. In particular, these preliminary values of gaitparameters are calculated for each set of raw data generated over aperiod of time and by each box. These preliminary values of gaitparameters allow for more precision and a better understanding of auser's gait, activity or posture.

The method according to the invention further comprises a step ofcommunicating 250 between the first and second box, comprisingtransmitting, by a communication module, similarity values of the rawdata with the predetermined patterns from the second box to the firstbox. This step of communicating between the first and second box can becarried out according to a predefined time frequency, for example thetransmission can be carried out every second, or every two seconds, orfor any other predefined time frequency. This step allows to gather allthe data and especially similarity values on a single box, preferably onthe first box. As a reminder, preferably each predetermined pattern istherefore associated with two similarity values, one from thepre-processing of the raw data of the first box and the other from theraw data of the second box. In addition, this communication step mayinclude transmitting preliminary values of gait parameters from a secondbox to a first box, or vice versa.

The method comprises a step of selecting 206, by the first box, amovement category representative of the raw data from the similarityvalues of the first box and those of the second box. Thus, thesimilarity values allow the first unit to assign to the raw datagenerated by the two boxes a movement category, for example from a listof predetermined movement categories. In particular, this step comprisesselecting a movement category if the second box has transmitted to thefirst box a corresponding predetermined pattern with a generatedsimilarity value greater than a predetermined reliability percentage andstored for each predetermined pattern. This allows only reliablepredetermined patterns to be taken into account before quantifying auser's posture and gait.

The method also comprises a step of processing 270 the preliminaryvalues of the gait parameters of the second box and the first box inorder to select preliminary values of gait parameters to be retained. Inaddition, this step may be followed by a step of generating 290 a newgait parameter value by the first box as a function of a selectedrepresentative movement category, preliminary values of selected gaitparameters, a previously stored gait parameter value and possibly apredetermined threshold. The previously stored gait parameter value isdefined for each gait parameter. Thus, it is possible to quantify auser's gait and posture reliably and accurately, while ensuring lowenergy consumption and optimal comfort.

In addition, the method according to the invention also includes a stepof comparing the preliminary values of gait parameters of the second boxso as to generate a consolidated value of gait parameters for the periodof time. Preferably, the method may also include a step of transmittingthe new advanced gait parameter value of the stored data to an externalterminal. This transmission is preferably made on an ad hoc basis. Thetransmission frequency can therefore be greater than 100 ms, preferablygreater than 1 second. For example, the transmission is every 10seconds. The external terminal can correspond to a user terminal andinclude a computer, a digital tablet, a mobile phone, or more generallyany device for a user to communicate with the terminal.

The method comprises a step of storing 300 the new advanced gaitparameter value by the first box. Thus, in contrast to the raw and/orpre-processed data that is saved for a short time, for example on acache, the new advanced gait parameter value is stored for a longertime, for example on a memory.

1. A system of analyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gaitcomprising two electronic boxes which can be integrated into a pair ofsoles, a first box being adapted to be integrated into a first sole anda second box being adapted to be integrated into a second sole, theelectronic box according to the invention including: an inertialplatform configured to generate a set of data on the gait of a user ofthe pair of soles; a data processing module configured to transform thedata set generated using predefined algorithms; a means of communicationconfigured so that at least one of the electronic boxes is configured totransmit an information generated on the user to the other electronicbox; and at least two support pads; said electronic box weighting lessthan 20 grams, having a thickness of less than 7 mm and having a surfacearea on its largest side of less than 10 cm².
 2. The system of analyzingand quantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, whereineach electronic box includes an outer casing, said outer casing beingessentially made of a thermoplastic material enabling it to withstandhigh mechanical stresses, corresponding to at least 100,000 impacts of1000 N at a frequency of 1 Hz or 100,000 impacts of 3000 N at afrequency of 2.6 Hz, said boxes being furthermore resistant to dust andhumidity at a level of at least IP56.
 3. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, furthercomprising a power source which can be recharged using differenttechnologies including with a mechanical recharging device integratedinto the sole.
 4. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user'sposture and gait according to claim 1, wherein each of the electronicboxes has a shape different from the other box.
 5. The system ofanalyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim1, wherein each electronic box comprises a means of communicationconfigured so that the electronic box of at least one of the soles isconfigured to transmit the information generated on the user to anexternal terminal.
 6. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user'sposture and gait according to claim 1, wherein the boxes are configuredso that the data set generated by the inertial platform of the first boxis transferred to the second box where it is processed by the dataprocessing module of the second box.
 7. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein theboxes are configured such that the data set generated by the inertialplatform of the first box undergoes a first processing step by the dataprocessing module of the first box, and then the processed data istransferred to the second box where it is further processed by the dataprocessing module of the second box.
 8. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein thedata processing modules contained in the first and second boxes areconfigured to implement a step of preprocessing of the data set,comprising a comparison of the data set with predetermined patterns anda generation of values of similarities of the raw data with thepredetermined patterns; and wherein the second box is configured toselect a movement category representative of the raw data from thesimilarity values of the first case and those of the second case.
 9. Thesystem of analyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gait accordingto claim 1, wherein each electronic box includes an outer casing, saidouter casing consisting essentially of a material of the plasticcomposite type selected from: a thermoplastic composite material or athermosetting composite material.
 10. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein eachelectronic box comprises a polymer low wall positioned between a powersource and an electronic board.
 11. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein eachelectronic box includes a shock-absorbing material.
 12. The system ofanalyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim1, wherein each electronic box is configured as a Slave box or a Masterbox; wherein said Slave box transmits data to the Master box and saidMaster box receives data from the Slave box, processes the data bycomparing the data with said Master box's own data and generatesinformation on the user's posture.
 13. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein theprocessing module is configurated to generate biomechanical gaitparameters.
 14. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user's postureand gait according to claim 13, the biomechanical gait parameters beingselected from: posture, pronation, supination, impact force, impactzone, step length, contact time, flight time, limping, propulsion force,balance and other parameters relating to the user and describing his/hergait, postures and movements.
 15. The system of analyzing andquantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim 1, wherein theprocessing module is configured to segment the data set into a pluralityof phases.
 16. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user's postureand gait according to claim 1, wherein each electronic box comprises anantenna, said antenna being selected from: an antenna printed on anelectronic board, an antenna printed on an inner side of the box andconnected to the electronic board by wiring, or an antenna positioned ona lower part in relation to the electronic board.
 17. The system ofanalyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gait according to claim3, the mechanical recharging device comprising a piezoelectric device.18. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user's posture and gaitaccording to claim 1, wherein each electronic box includes a roundedouter casing.
 19. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user'sposture and gait according to claim 16, wherein the antenna ispositioned inside the electronic box and a side facing an outside of thefirst sole.
 20. The system of analyzing and quantifying a user's postureand gait according to claim 1, further comprising a wired connectionmeans.